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In a stunning protest from the South African government, rugby and four other sports have been blocked from bidding to host major sporting events. South Africa’s sports minister Fikile Mbalula has banned rugby, cricket, athletics, and netball federations after they have been deemed to have failed to provide black players with sufficient opportunities.
This decision puts South Africa’s bid for Rugby World Cup 2023 in disrepute. The South African Rugby Union had announced it would bid to host the event by the June deadline. In being blocked it leaves France, Ireland, and Italy as the remaining unions set to bid.
World Rugby Hall of Famer and former Pumas captain Agustín Pichot had earlier stated repeatedly that Argentina was interested in hosting the tournament. The UAR decided against doing so with President Carlos Araujo instead providing his support to South Africa.
Araujo and the UAR believe South Africa’s substantial support to Argentina was critical to their admission in the Rugby Championship and Super Rugby. Rather than bidding against South Africa, Argentina determined it was better to wait for a future opportunity.
The bidding process for Rugby World Cup 2023 is still open. Next month World Rugby is to release tender documentation and unions have until June to confirm they are bidding to host the tournament. The host will be announced in May 2017.
